Strout tells the Sun Journal he interviewed Monahan after a pair of witnesses indicated she might be responsible for dumping the kittens, which were found Aug. 12. Strout says the kittens were left in a large trash container near Monahan's home.

The kittens were found covered with fleas and maggots and with their umbilical cords still attached.

The kittens were taken to the Androscoggin Humane Society, where three ended up dying. The fourth has been adopted and is thriving.